I want to share with you some of the thoughts of our July 28, Business Group's guest speaker, David Evert from STEP (Stimulating Economic Progress) in Wadena. David validated for us many of the thoughts, ideas and concerns that we have shared and identified some key points which can make the difference in the success or failure of our efforts. Below are the ideas which we need to keep in the forefront of our minds as we go through this huge change in our community.

1. While on this journey, we need to remind ourselves that it doesn't matter who gets the credit for progress and success. We are a team. We are in this as a community and there is no room for a power struggle.

2. None of us are in this for the money. None of us are getting paid. Our goal should be to make a difference, not to make dollars. If each of us put in one hour per week in any area of progress, think of the difference we could make.

3. There is a huge difference between controlling and empowering. It is human nature to want to control our surroundings. It is something totally different to empower ourselves and others to see that our dreams, ideas and needs as a community are realized. If each of us would let go of the need to control our environment and unleash this tremendous potential, the world better look out. It doesn't mean we have to agree - it just means that everyone is equal and each idea should be accepted and discussed.

4. It is the city government's job to govern. That is what they are there for. We have elected many of our government offi cials, hence we have some ownership in the manner in which they govern. It is also our responsibility as individuals, citizens and business owners to be involved in the governing process. We can sit together and complain about what is happening, or we can channel that energy into making a difference. Every one of us will disagree at some point with decisions made by our government - whether city, state or federal. The key is that when we disagree, it becomes our responsibility to voice our concern. If we don't, we have no right to complain. I believe our city government is doing the very best they can. We have a beautiful new police station and will soon have a state of the art city government office and library. We are dressing up our town and need to continue to move forward with this effort. We cannot go back to what we were in the past. While everyone is making every effort to preserve our beautiful historic ambiance, we must move forward and do it with teamwork and cohesiveness.

5. We, as a community, need to identify our goal. The city, economic development authority, health care system, school system, chamber of commerce, businesses and citizens must identify where we are going and make a firm plan to get there. We have so many groups going in so many different directions, it's hard to identify the finish line. We have tried in the past to do this, but we need to do it again and again and again if we need to in order to succeed. We all need to be on the same page and harness our energy and effort. We have so much talent, potential and energy in this community that it's overwhelming to think about.

6. Two of the main ingredients stalling this process are greed and fear. Again, human nature takes over. Everyone wants to succeed and everyone needs to be validated. But when we do it for personal gain rather than community progress, we falter. There are also many of us who fear change and the future. It is far more comfortable to stay in our familiar surroundings than to venture into unknown territory. But, there is absolutely no going back and we MUST move forward. It is unsettling and upsetting at times, but we should be here to support each other and work through it together. We have the opportunity here toreinvent our future.

7. Everyone is struggling right now. We all need support. We should not be afraid or too proud to share our struggles with each other. There is help out there and many of us have resources that we are more than willing to share. We want and need each other to succeed. We don't want empty storefronts and black holes in our downtown area and community in general. We want to restore the pride and positive attitude that once flourished in this booming little town.

Now, what we do with this information is up to us. Let's all put our differences aside and work for the common good of our community. If there are any ideas, questions, concerns, or criticisms that you need to share, here is your golden opportunity. Talk to each other. Come to the next business group meeting. Go to the next city council meeting. Join and help your chamber of commerce achieve success. We can do this.